Pontifical Swiss Guard

The Pontifical Swiss Guard is the de facto military of the Holy See stationed at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, serving as the bodyguards of the Pope. Established in 1506 the Guard is one of the oldest active military units in the world, and its members continue to use traditional Renaissance uniforms and equipment in a ceremonial role. However, since the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981 more emphasis has been placed on the non-ceremonial combat role with modern weaponry. Traditionally, members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard are recruited from male Catholic citizens of Switzerland between ages of 19 and 30 that have undergone service in the Swiss Army. The Swiss Guards are most famous for their last stand during the Habsburg sacking of Rome in 1527, in which they bought time for the Pope to escape by fighting off Spanish mercenaries.